Herculean support contract

The

(MoD) has awarded

a £1.52 billion contract to support its fleet of Hercules transport aircraft and improve its availability to the RAF over the next 24 years.

This programme delivers on the Defence Industrial Strategy. As prime contractor, Marshall Aerospace will work in partnership with the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO), the Royal Air Force, Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce to deliver the Hercules Integrated Operational Support (HIOS) programme. The contract will see up to 60 new jobs created in Cambridge and will help secure work for the future for around 500 staff at Marshall Aerospace who are currently employed in the support of the Hercules fleet.

The contract covers all aspects of Hercules support. Depth maintenance will be provided by Marshall Aerospace at Cambridge. The Royal Air Force will continue to provide frontline forward maintenance. These will both be supported by the Lockheed Martin-led supply chain and propulsion system support from Rolls Royce. The aim is to keep the Royal Air Force's Hercules fleet continuously available.

Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Procurement, said, "This contract will transform the way we support Hercules and will see real benefits for our Armed Forces as it guarantees aircraft to the front line, ready to fly, more of the time. It is an excellent example of the Defence Industrial Strategy in action where we are working more closely with industry to ensure the future sustainment of a vital military capability. The Hercules has a superb operational record and our contract with Marshall Aerospace will ensure that this continues. This contract is also good news for the British taxpayer, saving in excess of £171 million over the next 24 years"